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Cytomegalovirus Seropositivity as a Potential Risk Factor for Increased Noise Trauma Susceptibility
Moritz Groschel1, Stefan Voigt1, Susanne Schwitzer1
1Department of Otolaryngology at UKB, University of Berlin, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany.
Context:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents the leading congenital viral infection in humans. Although congenital CMV due to vertically transmitted infections is the main cause of CMV-related diseases, adult CMV infections might still be of clinical significance. It is still discussed how far CMV seropositivity, due to horizontal infection in immunocompetent adults, is able to induce significant dysfunction. The present study investigates in how far CMV seropositivity is an additional risk factor for an increasing susceptibility to sensorineural hearing loss induced by acoustic injury during adulthood in a guinea pig CMV (GPCMV) model of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Methods:
Two groups (GPCMV seropositive vs. seronegative) of normal hearing adult guinea pigs were exposed to a broadband noise (5-20 kHz) for 2 hours at 115 dB sound pressure level. Frequency-specific auditory brainstem response recordings for determination of auditory threshold shift were carried out and the number of missing outer hair cells was counted 2 weeks after the noise exposure.
Results:
The data show a slightly increased shift in auditory thresholds in seropositive animals compared to the seronegative control group in response to noise trauma. However, the observed difference was significant at least at high frequencies. The differences in threshold shift are not correlated with outer hair cell loss between the experimental groups.
Conclusion:
The results point to potential additional pathologies in a guinea pig NIHL model in correlation to GPCMV seropositivity, which should be taken into account when assessing risks of latent/reactivated CMV infection. Due to the relatively slight effect in the present data, the aim of future studies should be a more detailed consideration (e.g., larger sample size) and to localize possible target structures as well as the significance of the infection route.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity may slightly increase susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in adult guinea pigs. This suggests CMV infection could be an additional risk factor for hearing impairment, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of congenital viral infections.
- While congenital CMV is primary, adult CMV infections can have clinical significance.
- The impact of CMV seropositivity from horizontal infection in immunocompetent adults on dysfunction is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CMV seropositivity is an additional risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) induced by acoustic injury in adult guinea pigs.
- To assess the correlation between CMV seropositivity and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a guinea pig model.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of guinea pigs, CMV seropositive and seronegative, were exposed to broadband noise (115 dB SPL for 2 hours).
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to determine auditory threshold shifts.
- Outer hair cell loss was quantified 2 weeks post-noise exposure.
Main Results:
- CMV seropositive animals showed a slightly increased auditory threshold shift compared to seronegative controls after noise trauma.
- This difference was statistically significant, particularly at high frequencies.
- No correlation was found between threshold shift and outer hair cell loss between groups.
Conclusions:
- CMV seropositivity may contribute to additional pathologies in a guinea pig NIHL model.
- Latent or reactivated CMV infection should be considered when assessing risks for hearing loss.
- Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to explore target structures and infection route significance.
